Journalist & Strategic Communications
Serena Maria Daniels is a Detroit-based Mexican American journalist whose 20-year career spans investigative reporting, food criticism, independent publishing, and strategic communications. Her reporting has influenced public policy and helped shape the Midwest's culinary landscape.
Her editorial experience includes Eater, the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit News, Hour Detroit, and others. She founded Tostada Magazine and created Midwest Mexican, two independent publications that reflect her leadership in entrepreneurial journalism.
Serena works with hospitality brands, small businesses, and organizations on public relations, editorial strategy, and communications.
JOURNALISM • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
JOURNALISM • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public Relations & Media Strategy
Media relations, press outreach, publicity campaigns, and communications planning.
Services
Editorial & Content Strategy
Editorial development, branded content, storytelling campaigns, and publication strategy.
Brand Positioning & Consulting
Strategic messaging, brand development, and communications counsel for hospitality and small businesses.
Selected Work
In Good Co. Detroit | New Economy Initiative
Branded content and integrated storytelling campaign spotlighting Detroit's small business community through original reporting, multimedia production, and strategic content distribution.
2019-2021
Hay Comida en la Casa | Eater
Editorial strategy and development of a national series that expanded Latino representation in food journalism through original reporting, contributor engagement, and culturally informed coverage.
2024
Independent Journalism & Media Entrepreneurship
Independent practice encompassing freelance journalism, editorial consulting, and media entrepreneurship. She is the food critic for Hour Detroit, with bylines and contributions to Reuters, HuffPost, Bon Appétit, TASTE, Detroit Metro Times, and NPR affiliate WDET. Her independent publishing ventures include Tostada Magazine, which she founded in 2017, and Midwest Mexican, which she launched in 2025.
2014-Present
Let’s Work Together
Have a project in mind? Serena works with hospitality brands, small businesses, and organizations on public relations, editorial strategy, and communications.